Jose Carlos Verle Rodrigues | University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez (original) (raw)
Papers by Jose Carlos Verle Rodrigues
Neotropical Entomology, 2007
Insects
Red palm mites (Raoiella indica Hirst, Acari: Tenuipalpidae) were first observed in the western h... more Red palm mites (Raoiella indica Hirst, Acari: Tenuipalpidae) were first observed in the western hemisphere on the islands and countries surrounding the Caribbean Sea, infesting the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.). Detection of invasive pests usually relies upon changes in vegetation properties as result of the pest activity. These changes may be visible in time series of satellite data records, such as Landsat satellites, which have been available with a 16-day repeat cycle at a spatial resolution of 30 m since 1982. Typical red palm mite infestations result in the yellowing of the lower leaves of the palm crown; remote sensing model simulations have indicated that this feature may be better detected using the green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI). Using the Google Earth Engine programming environment, a time series of Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper, Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager data was generated for plantations in norther...
The red palm mite (Raoiella indica Hirst Tenuipalpidae), a pest of coconuts and ornamental palms ... more The red palm mite (Raoiella indica Hirst Tenuipalpidae), a pest of coconuts and ornamental palms in Asia and Africa, was reported in the Caribbean in 2004. By 2008, it spread to at least twelve islands, to two counties in Florida and to Venezuela. Red palm mite causes yellowing and leaf necrosis with severe reduction of leaf stomatal conductance. Growers are reporting > 70% reduction in coconut yield. Genetic studies of red palm mite collected from multiple regions in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean revealed several distinct haplotypes. All Caribbean samples have the same haplotype, which matches samples from coconut in Réunion and areca palms in India. The populations from coconut in India exhibited a different haplotype. Biological control and pesticide options are being studied to manage the pest. The efficacy of acaricides against red palm mite was tested to provide palm, banana and ornamental nursery growers with an updated list of acaricides with good control potential. Natural enemy studies in the Caribbean have shown that thrips, phytoseiid, lacewing, and coccinelid predators attack red palm mites. Fungal infections have been reported in Puerto Rico, Dominica and Trinidad. Predatory mite numbers, especially in the Phytoseiidae, increase in response to higher numbers of red palm mites. However, these local predators are apparently not controlling red palm mite outbreaks. Foreign exploration for natural enemies is being conducted in Mauritius and India. A phytoseiid predator is currently being evaluated in quarantine in Gainesville, Florida.
ABSTRACT International trade and tourism greatly impact US agriculture because of the propensity ... more ABSTRACT International trade and tourism greatly impact US agriculture because of the propensity of foreign products and people to transport exotic invasive mites into the country. Once established, an invasive mite could cause millions of dollars in lost agricultural revenue and irreparable environmental damage as well as the substantial costs associated with mitigation efforts. South Florida is particularly vulnerable to invasive pests because of the high volume of agricultural imports entering this area and its proximity to the Caribbean. By investigating the impact of a new pest in the Caribbean a better assessment can be made of whether or not it will likely become a serious economic or environmental pest and methods can be developed to better detect and mitigate the impact of the pest. However, an extensive collaborative effort between researchers and regulators at an international level is needed to develop an effective monitoring, management and regulatory response. The off-shore training and research efforts coupled with on-shore outreach and survey programs for the red palm mite (Raoiella indica, Tenuipalpidae), a pest of coconuts and ornamental palms that recently swept through the Caribbean into South and continental North America, serves as a example of how cooperative programs can help prepare the U.S. for likely invasion of a mite pest.
Scientia Agricola, 2010
Resistance to Septoria lycopersici in Solanum (section Lycopersicon) species and in progenies of ... more Resistance to Septoria lycopersici in Solanum (section Lycopersicon) species and in progenies of S. lycopersicum × S. peruvianum Resistência a Septoria lycopersici em espécies de Solanum (Secção Lycopersicon) e em progênies de S. lycopersicum × S. peruvianum
Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2012
The red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica Hirst, is a predominant pest of coconuts, date palms and... more The red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica Hirst, is a predominant pest of coconuts, date palms and other palm species, as well as a major pest of bananas (Musa spp.) in different parts of the world. Recently, RPM dispersed throughout the Caribbean islands and has reached both the North and South American continents. The RPM introductions have caused severe damage to palm species, and bananas and plantains in the Caribbean region. The work presented herein is the result of several acaricide trials conducted in Puerto Rico and Florida on palms and bananas in order to provide chemical control alternatives to minimize the impact of this pest. Spiromesifen, dicofol and acequinocyl were effective in reducing the population of R. indica in coconut in Puerto Rico. Spray treatments with etoxanole, abamectin, pyridaben, milbemectin and sulfur showed mite control in Florida. In addition, the acaricides acequinocyl and spiromesifen were able to reduce the population of R. indica in banana trials.
Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2012
Although coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is the predominant host for Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Te... more Although coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is the predominant host for Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), false spider mite infestations do occur on bananas and plantains (Musa spp. Colla). Since its introduction, the banana and plantain industries have been negatively impacted to different degrees by R. indica infestation throughout the Caribbean. Genetic resistance in the host and the proximity of natural sources of mite infestation has been suggested as two of the main factors affecting R. indica densities in Musa spp. plantations. Greenhouse experiments were established to try to determine what effect coconut palm proximities and planting densities had on R. indica populations infesting Musa spp. plants. Trials were carried out using potted Musa spp. and coconut palms plants at two different ratios. In addition, fourteen Musa spp. hybrid accessions were evaluated for their susceptibility/resistance to colonization by R. indica populations. Differences were observed for mite population buildup for both the density and germplasm accession evaluations. These results have potential implications on how this important pest can be managed on essential agricultural commodities such as bananas and plantains.
Viruses that affect crops have been intensively studied, but its unknown how these viruses affect... more Viruses that affect crops have been intensively studied, but its unknown how these viruses affect non-cultivated plants. To develop the best strategies for crop protection, the diversity of viruses in non-cultivated plants needs to be understood. This work focuses on the occurrence of potyvirus in Momordica (Cucurbitaceae), an wild naturalized vine in Puerto Rico. We sampled 347 Momordica plants across Puerto Rico including adjacent islands of Culebra and Vieques. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of potyviruses and RT-PCR to amplify the CP region using MJ1 and MJ2 primers. Maps of both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were developed using the species distribution model algorithm MaxEnt and screening of 20 environmental variables for the most informative layers inferring potential places of occurrence. The viruses PRSV and ZYMV were the most commonly encountered potyviruses. The presence of disease symptoms in Momordica was closely associated with the occ...
International Journal of Acarology, 2008
Page 1. AMBLYSEIUS FILCAE DENMARK AND VILLANUEVA, N. SP. (ACARI: PHYTOSEIIDAE) FOUND ON VIBURNUM ... more Page 1. AMBLYSEIUS FILCAE DENMARK AND VILLANUEVA, N. SP. (ACARI: PHYTOSEIIDAE) FOUND ON VIBURNUM IN FLORIDA: DESCRIPTION, LIFE CYCLE AND FEEDING STUDIES Raul T. Villanueva 1 , Jose CV Rodrigues ...
Florida Entomologist, 2005
A BSTRACT Twenty-four plant shipments arriving via air cargo from Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa ... more A BSTRACT Twenty-four plant shipments arriving via air cargo from Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica to Miami International airport in Florida, were sampled on February 6-7, 2003. Random samples of rooted plants or cuttings were washed in 80% ethanol to collect the mite species present. Altogether 81 mites in 11 families were identified in 12 plant shipments (i.e., 50% of the 24 shipments sampled were found to contain mites). Plant mite pests included Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), Fungitarsonemus sp., Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), Tarsonemus sp., Tarsonemus confusus Ewing, Tetranychus urticae Koch, Tetranychus sp., and Rhizoglyphus sp. (Acaridae). These mites, recovered from a variety of ornamental plant genera, are potentially serious pests. Of special importance is B. phoenicis because it is a known vector of citrus leprosis and several related viruses of ornamental plants that occur in Central and South America. A dilemma exists because many of these diseases, including citrus leprosis, do not occur in the United States, but potential vectors are already present. Relevant needs include (a) a special sampling program for mites on live plant materials received at ports of entry, (b) new legislation that requires imported plant propagules to be free of pest species of mites, and (c) mandatory risk mitigation in nurseries abroad where shipments originate and pre-clearance at the port of export.
Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2005
The orange bagworm (OBW), Cryptothelea gloverii (Packard) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) was previously... more The orange bagworm (OBW), Cryptothelea gloverii (Packard) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) was previously reported feeding on citrus fruit and foliage and preying upon the camphor scale Pseudaonidia duplex (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Coccidae). In this study using laboratory assays, OBW preyed upon citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae) and consumed eggs and adults of both P. oleivora and Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari:
Seed companies in the USA grow winter soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) nurseries in Puerto Rico to ... more Seed companies in the USA grow winter soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) nurseries in Puerto Rico to advance their breeding programs and seed increase. However, the soybean nurseries are being threatened by a viral disease that cause stunting, leaf and stem necrosis and shoot wilting that leads to death of the whole plant. In the present study transmission assays were conducted using stem grafting, mechanical inoculation, and whiteflies (WFs), Bemisia tabci (Gennadius). Cultivated and wild host plants infested by WFs were surveyed at Dow AgroSciences Research Station and nearby farms at Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. Based on previous report in Brazil of similar disease caused by an isolate of Cowpea mild mottle virus (CpMMV), a Carlavirus, these samples were screened for the presence of the Carlavirus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and RT-PCR using Carlavirus-specific primers. The results showed that all the transmission assays expressed the viral symptoms on soybean plants on which the tests were done. Out of the 19 plant species surveyed, 8 species gave positive results for the ELISA test. The RT-PCR also successfully amplified a 300 bp fragment from these ELISA positive samples. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy revealed feather-like aggregates of presumed virions in the cytoplasm, characteristic for many members of the genus Carlavirus. This virus infecting soybean and other plants in Puerto Rico is considered an isolate of the CpMMV. This study underlines the importance of controlling WFs and weed species that serve as reservoirs both for the vectors and the virus.
Flat mite” and “false spider mite” are common names for members of the family Tenuipalpidae, and ... more Flat mite” and “false spider mite” are common names for members of the family Tenuipalpidae, and the genus Brevipalpus is the most important
group within this family. Several species of Brevipalpus mites occur on citrus in the United States, with B. phoenicis the most common in Florida and B. californicus and B. lewisi the most common in California.
Neotropical Entomology, 2007
Insects
Red palm mites (Raoiella indica Hirst, Acari: Tenuipalpidae) were first observed in the western h... more Red palm mites (Raoiella indica Hirst, Acari: Tenuipalpidae) were first observed in the western hemisphere on the islands and countries surrounding the Caribbean Sea, infesting the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.). Detection of invasive pests usually relies upon changes in vegetation properties as result of the pest activity. These changes may be visible in time series of satellite data records, such as Landsat satellites, which have been available with a 16-day repeat cycle at a spatial resolution of 30 m since 1982. Typical red palm mite infestations result in the yellowing of the lower leaves of the palm crown; remote sensing model simulations have indicated that this feature may be better detected using the green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI). Using the Google Earth Engine programming environment, a time series of Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper, Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager data was generated for plantations in norther...
The red palm mite (Raoiella indica Hirst Tenuipalpidae), a pest of coconuts and ornamental palms ... more The red palm mite (Raoiella indica Hirst Tenuipalpidae), a pest of coconuts and ornamental palms in Asia and Africa, was reported in the Caribbean in 2004. By 2008, it spread to at least twelve islands, to two counties in Florida and to Venezuela. Red palm mite causes yellowing and leaf necrosis with severe reduction of leaf stomatal conductance. Growers are reporting > 70% reduction in coconut yield. Genetic studies of red palm mite collected from multiple regions in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean revealed several distinct haplotypes. All Caribbean samples have the same haplotype, which matches samples from coconut in Réunion and areca palms in India. The populations from coconut in India exhibited a different haplotype. Biological control and pesticide options are being studied to manage the pest. The efficacy of acaricides against red palm mite was tested to provide palm, banana and ornamental nursery growers with an updated list of acaricides with good control potential. Natural enemy studies in the Caribbean have shown that thrips, phytoseiid, lacewing, and coccinelid predators attack red palm mites. Fungal infections have been reported in Puerto Rico, Dominica and Trinidad. Predatory mite numbers, especially in the Phytoseiidae, increase in response to higher numbers of red palm mites. However, these local predators are apparently not controlling red palm mite outbreaks. Foreign exploration for natural enemies is being conducted in Mauritius and India. A phytoseiid predator is currently being evaluated in quarantine in Gainesville, Florida.
ABSTRACT International trade and tourism greatly impact US agriculture because of the propensity ... more ABSTRACT International trade and tourism greatly impact US agriculture because of the propensity of foreign products and people to transport exotic invasive mites into the country. Once established, an invasive mite could cause millions of dollars in lost agricultural revenue and irreparable environmental damage as well as the substantial costs associated with mitigation efforts. South Florida is particularly vulnerable to invasive pests because of the high volume of agricultural imports entering this area and its proximity to the Caribbean. By investigating the impact of a new pest in the Caribbean a better assessment can be made of whether or not it will likely become a serious economic or environmental pest and methods can be developed to better detect and mitigate the impact of the pest. However, an extensive collaborative effort between researchers and regulators at an international level is needed to develop an effective monitoring, management and regulatory response. The off-shore training and research efforts coupled with on-shore outreach and survey programs for the red palm mite (Raoiella indica, Tenuipalpidae), a pest of coconuts and ornamental palms that recently swept through the Caribbean into South and continental North America, serves as a example of how cooperative programs can help prepare the U.S. for likely invasion of a mite pest.
Scientia Agricola, 2010
Resistance to Septoria lycopersici in Solanum (section Lycopersicon) species and in progenies of ... more Resistance to Septoria lycopersici in Solanum (section Lycopersicon) species and in progenies of S. lycopersicum × S. peruvianum Resistência a Septoria lycopersici em espécies de Solanum (Secção Lycopersicon) e em progênies de S. lycopersicum × S. peruvianum
Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2012
The red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica Hirst, is a predominant pest of coconuts, date palms and... more The red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica Hirst, is a predominant pest of coconuts, date palms and other palm species, as well as a major pest of bananas (Musa spp.) in different parts of the world. Recently, RPM dispersed throughout the Caribbean islands and has reached both the North and South American continents. The RPM introductions have caused severe damage to palm species, and bananas and plantains in the Caribbean region. The work presented herein is the result of several acaricide trials conducted in Puerto Rico and Florida on palms and bananas in order to provide chemical control alternatives to minimize the impact of this pest. Spiromesifen, dicofol and acequinocyl were effective in reducing the population of R. indica in coconut in Puerto Rico. Spray treatments with etoxanole, abamectin, pyridaben, milbemectin and sulfur showed mite control in Florida. In addition, the acaricides acequinocyl and spiromesifen were able to reduce the population of R. indica in banana trials.
Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2012
Although coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is the predominant host for Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Te... more Although coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is the predominant host for Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), false spider mite infestations do occur on bananas and plantains (Musa spp. Colla). Since its introduction, the banana and plantain industries have been negatively impacted to different degrees by R. indica infestation throughout the Caribbean. Genetic resistance in the host and the proximity of natural sources of mite infestation has been suggested as two of the main factors affecting R. indica densities in Musa spp. plantations. Greenhouse experiments were established to try to determine what effect coconut palm proximities and planting densities had on R. indica populations infesting Musa spp. plants. Trials were carried out using potted Musa spp. and coconut palms plants at two different ratios. In addition, fourteen Musa spp. hybrid accessions were evaluated for their susceptibility/resistance to colonization by R. indica populations. Differences were observed for mite population buildup for both the density and germplasm accession evaluations. These results have potential implications on how this important pest can be managed on essential agricultural commodities such as bananas and plantains.
Viruses that affect crops have been intensively studied, but its unknown how these viruses affect... more Viruses that affect crops have been intensively studied, but its unknown how these viruses affect non-cultivated plants. To develop the best strategies for crop protection, the diversity of viruses in non-cultivated plants needs to be understood. This work focuses on the occurrence of potyvirus in Momordica (Cucurbitaceae), an wild naturalized vine in Puerto Rico. We sampled 347 Momordica plants across Puerto Rico including adjacent islands of Culebra and Vieques. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of potyviruses and RT-PCR to amplify the CP region using MJ1 and MJ2 primers. Maps of both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were developed using the species distribution model algorithm MaxEnt and screening of 20 environmental variables for the most informative layers inferring potential places of occurrence. The viruses PRSV and ZYMV were the most commonly encountered potyviruses. The presence of disease symptoms in Momordica was closely associated with the occ...
International Journal of Acarology, 2008
Page 1. AMBLYSEIUS FILCAE DENMARK AND VILLANUEVA, N. SP. (ACARI: PHYTOSEIIDAE) FOUND ON VIBURNUM ... more Page 1. AMBLYSEIUS FILCAE DENMARK AND VILLANUEVA, N. SP. (ACARI: PHYTOSEIIDAE) FOUND ON VIBURNUM IN FLORIDA: DESCRIPTION, LIFE CYCLE AND FEEDING STUDIES Raul T. Villanueva 1 , Jose CV Rodrigues ...
Florida Entomologist, 2005
A BSTRACT Twenty-four plant shipments arriving via air cargo from Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa ... more A BSTRACT Twenty-four plant shipments arriving via air cargo from Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica to Miami International airport in Florida, were sampled on February 6-7, 2003. Random samples of rooted plants or cuttings were washed in 80% ethanol to collect the mite species present. Altogether 81 mites in 11 families were identified in 12 plant shipments (i.e., 50% of the 24 shipments sampled were found to contain mites). Plant mite pests included Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), Fungitarsonemus sp., Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), Tarsonemus sp., Tarsonemus confusus Ewing, Tetranychus urticae Koch, Tetranychus sp., and Rhizoglyphus sp. (Acaridae). These mites, recovered from a variety of ornamental plant genera, are potentially serious pests. Of special importance is B. phoenicis because it is a known vector of citrus leprosis and several related viruses of ornamental plants that occur in Central and South America. A dilemma exists because many of these diseases, including citrus leprosis, do not occur in the United States, but potential vectors are already present. Relevant needs include (a) a special sampling program for mites on live plant materials received at ports of entry, (b) new legislation that requires imported plant propagules to be free of pest species of mites, and (c) mandatory risk mitigation in nurseries abroad where shipments originate and pre-clearance at the port of export.
Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2005
The orange bagworm (OBW), Cryptothelea gloverii (Packard) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) was previously... more The orange bagworm (OBW), Cryptothelea gloverii (Packard) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) was previously reported feeding on citrus fruit and foliage and preying upon the camphor scale Pseudaonidia duplex (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Coccidae). In this study using laboratory assays, OBW preyed upon citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae) and consumed eggs and adults of both P. oleivora and Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari:
Seed companies in the USA grow winter soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) nurseries in Puerto Rico to ... more Seed companies in the USA grow winter soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) nurseries in Puerto Rico to advance their breeding programs and seed increase. However, the soybean nurseries are being threatened by a viral disease that cause stunting, leaf and stem necrosis and shoot wilting that leads to death of the whole plant. In the present study transmission assays were conducted using stem grafting, mechanical inoculation, and whiteflies (WFs), Bemisia tabci (Gennadius). Cultivated and wild host plants infested by WFs were surveyed at Dow AgroSciences Research Station and nearby farms at Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. Based on previous report in Brazil of similar disease caused by an isolate of Cowpea mild mottle virus (CpMMV), a Carlavirus, these samples were screened for the presence of the Carlavirus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and RT-PCR using Carlavirus-specific primers. The results showed that all the transmission assays expressed the viral symptoms on soybean plants on which the tests were done. Out of the 19 plant species surveyed, 8 species gave positive results for the ELISA test. The RT-PCR also successfully amplified a 300 bp fragment from these ELISA positive samples. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy revealed feather-like aggregates of presumed virions in the cytoplasm, characteristic for many members of the genus Carlavirus. This virus infecting soybean and other plants in Puerto Rico is considered an isolate of the CpMMV. This study underlines the importance of controlling WFs and weed species that serve as reservoirs both for the vectors and the virus.
Flat mite” and “false spider mite” are common names for members of the family Tenuipalpidae, and ... more Flat mite” and “false spider mite” are common names for members of the family Tenuipalpidae, and the genus Brevipalpus is the most important
group within this family. Several species of Brevipalpus mites occur on citrus in the United States, with B. phoenicis the most common in Florida and B. californicus and B. lewisi the most common in California.